Compare Weatherwood Shingles to Wood Shakes for Your Next Roof

When it's time to replace the roof on your home, choosing the right materials is an important decision. Two options that can provide a classic, rustic wood look are weatherwood shingles and natural wood shakes.

But what exactly are these two roofing products, and what key factors should you consider when deciding between them? Read on as we compare the pros and cons of weatherwood asphalt shingles versus real wood shakes.

What Are Weatherwood Shingles?

Weatherwood shingles, sometimes called architectural shingles, are asphalt shingles designed to mimic the variegated appearance of weathered wood shakes. They feature a blend of brown, tan, and charcoal gray tones to emulate aged, rustic cedar. But unlike real wood, they are made from fiberglass materials coated in asphalt and ceramic granules.

Weatherwood Shingle Benefits

Here are some of the reasons weatherwood shingles are a popular roofing choice:

• Durable - Last 20-30 years on average
• Fire resistant and impact rated
• Affordable compared to wood shakes
• Low maintenance
• Mimic real wood's aesthetic

What Are Wood Shakes?

Wood shakes are made from natural wood, most commonly Western Red Cedar. They contain grooves that give depth and shadow lines, enhancing their rustic visual appeal. Compared to factory produced asphalt shingles, wood shakes have more uneven shapes and thicker profiles.

Benefits of Cedar Wood Shakes

Here's why homeowners have valued wood shakes over the years:

• Natural material
• Classic, rustic appearance
• Can be sustainably harvested
• Biodegradable and recyclable

Comparing Environmental Impact

One consideration today is how roofing materials affect the environment from manufacturing to end of life. Here's how weatherwood and wood shakes compare:

Weatherwood Shingles' Sustainability

Asphalt shingles like weatherwood have some eco-benefits:

• Typically contain 20-30% recycled materials
• Comparatively low carbon footprint from transport and production
• Can also be recycled instead of landfilled

Are Wood Shakes Sustainable?

While made of natural materials, some downsides exist:

• Contribute to deforestation if not properly harvested
• Require treating to protect against rot and pests
• Produce more emissions in manufacturing and transport

So while real wood can claim environmental merits, weatherwood shingles made from recycled content have less overall impact.

Weather Resistance Comparison

A roof's main purpose is protecting your home, so weather durability is key.

Asphalt shingles are designed to handle various conditions:

• Fire and impact rated for protection
• Withstand wind, rain, snow, and some hail
• Won't rot or deteriorate like real wood

They last roughly 20-30 years before replacement needs consideration.

Cedar Shakes: Appealing But More Vulnerable

Being natural wood, shakes face environmental threats:

• More prone to cupping, cracking, and lifting
• Can warp, split or rot without proper maintenance
• Require flame retardant treatments in fire-prone regions

These factors lead to a typical lifespan of just 10-15 years for wood shakes.

So while wood shakes offer aesthetic merits, weatherwood shingles generally better withstand the elements.

Installation and Long-Term Care

The installation process and ongoing maintenance requirements differ between these two roofing materials:

Installing Weatherwood Shingles

Asphalt shingles involve less complicated installation than wood shakes. Other benefits include:

• Comparable cost to standard asphalt shingles
• Can be installed directly over existing shingles
• Fewer repairs needed over their lifespan

Real Wood Shakes Require Specialized Installation

• Installation often costs 50% or more than asphalt
• Require additional roofing components for best performance
• Ongoing maintenance needed to treat and preserve wood

So overall, weatherwood shingles involve lower lifetime costs and easier maintenance than real wood shakes.

Style and Design Factors

Aesthetic appeal and visual harmony with your home's architecture are also important in choosing your new roof. Let's explore how these two options compare for design flexibility and customization.

Weatherwood Shingles Offer Diverse Options

While mimicking wood's natural appearance, weathered wood shingles provide varied design choices:

• Range of color blends to coordinate with color schemes
• Different architectural styles: shake, slate, tile
• Compatible with most home types and roof shapes

The Classic Look of Real Wood Shakes

For those prioritizing natural authenticity, wood offers aesthetic strengths:

• Classic "woodsiness" unmatched by composites
• Natural graining, grooves and depth
• Sustainable cedar from well-managed forests

Ultimately you'll need to weigh your style priorities against cost, longevity and performance considerations discussed earlier.

Key Factors When Deciding Between Options

Now that we've compared the pros and cons of weatherwood versus wood shakes, what should factor into your decision? Consider aspects like:

Your Home's Architectural Character

• Roof shape, pitch angles
• Existing siding, stonework, etc.
• Style you want to achieve

Local Climate Conditions

• Annual snowfall and winter temps
• Regularity of wind, rain and storms
• If wildfire risk is substantial

Budgeting Installation Plus Long Term Costs

• Upfront installation investment
• Expected maintenance and repairs
• How soon replacement will be needed

Environmental Sustainability Targets

• Seeking green, eco-friendly materials
• Avoiding deforestation
• Recyclability at end of life

We've covered several important considerations in choosing roofing materials that offer rustic wood aesthetics - the core benefit of both weathered wood asphalt shingles and real cedar shakes.

Weatherwood shingles rank better for durability, weather resistance and low maintenance. Wood shakes offer aclassic appeal and sustainability for some situations.

Weigh these factors against your specific home and region. Seek pro roofing advice if unsure. Take time to get this big decision right to achieve lasting performance with the wood look you want.